The Ekdahl FAR - Limits - Revision history

Knaadmin at 04:31, 24 January 2025

2025-01-24T04:31:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:31, 24 January 2025
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	== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration ==		== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration ==
	Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing wheel~~\|bowing wheel]]<nowiki/>s, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''.		Before getting into the weeds of how to [[The Ekdahl FAR - Changing the string\|change strings]] and [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing wheels\|bowing wheel]]<nowiki/>s, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''.

	Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond or below which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot go any faster. A ''soft limit'' is a point <u>before</u> the ''hard limit'' where the machine in question technically could go further, but beyond which it may not be reliable, could potentially run into trouble due to external circumstances, or simply won't provide any benefits. An example of a ''soft limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is the maximum [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#Pressure\|pressure]] of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing~~ jack\|bowing jack]]; at some point the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing wheel~~\|bowing wheel]] can be pressed so hard into the string that the motor simply won't have the power to keep up, this could result in the motor not emphasizing the correct overtones, the string distorting - or worst case, the motor overheating and being destroyed. A ''soft limit'' is placed before this point so that you won't run into these problems. All ''soft limits'' can be set by the user, but care has to be taken with limits that are there to protect the Ekdahl FAR. Other limits that are simply there to enhance the usability of the instrument can sometimes be tweaked to allow for "unmusical" behavior, which sometimes creates the most interesting sounds.		Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond or below which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot go any faster. A ''soft limit'' is a point <u>before</u> the ''hard limit'' where the machine in question technically could go further, but beyond which it may not be reliable, could potentially run into trouble due to external circumstances, or simply won't provide any benefits. An example of a ''soft limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is the maximum [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#Pressure\|pressure]] of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing jack\|bowing jack]]; at some point the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing wheels\|bowing wheel]] can be pressed so hard into the string that the motor simply won't have the power to keep up, this could result in the motor not emphasizing the correct overtones, the string distorting - or worst case, the motor overheating and being destroyed. A ''soft limit'' is placed before this point so that you won't run into these problems. All ''soft limits'' can be set by the user, but care has to be taken with limits that are there to protect the Ekdahl FAR. Other limits that are simply there to enhance the usability of the instrument can sometimes be tweaked to allow for "unmusical" behavior, which sometimes creates the most interesting sounds.

	The Ekdahl FAR offers ways of automatically calibrating some of these limits, others will have to be manually set. Currently there are ''hard'' and ''soft limits'' for the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#pressure position~~\|pressure position]], mute position and the hammer force.		The Ekdahl FAR offers ways of [[The Ekdahl FAR - Calibrations\|automatically calibrating]] some of these limits, others will have to be [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration utility - Advanced tab\|manually set]]. Currently there are ''hard'' and ''soft limits'' for the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration utility - Advanced tab\|pressure position]], [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration utility - Advanced tab\|mute position]] and the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration utility - Advanced tab\|hammer force]].

	== Pressure limits ==		== Pressure limits ==
	The bow [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure\|pressure]] has three preset positions associated with it; ''bow pressure position rest'', ''bow pressure position engage'' and the ''bow pressure position max''.		The bow [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure\|pressure]] has three preset positions associated with it; ''bow pressure position rest'', ''bow pressure position engage'' and the ''bow pressure position max''.

	The ''bow pressure position rest'' is the lower ''soft limit'' and ''bow pressure position max'' is the upper ''soft limit''. All of these presets can be changed by the user and saved into the instrument. The ''bow pressure position rest'' is where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing wheel~~\|bowing wheel]] is completely disconnected from the string, thus starting the bowing motor in this position will not cause any contact-vibrations in the string (though the string could still start to resonate due to air turbulence created by the bowing wheel). The Ekdahl FAR will normally stay at the rest position when no key is pressed.		The ''bow pressure position rest'' is the lower ''soft limit'' and ''bow pressure position max'' is the upper ''soft limit''. All of these presets can be changed by the user and saved into the instrument. The ''bow pressure position rest'' is where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing wheels\|bowing wheel]] is completely disconnected from the string, thus starting the bowing motor in this position will not cause any contact-vibrations in the string (though the string could still start to resonate due to air turbulence created by the bowing wheel). The Ekdahl FAR will normally stay at the rest position when no key is pressed.

	Having the ''rest'' position correctly set is crucial in getting the most rapid action from the Ekdahl FAR, a ''rest'' position that is too far from the string will cause a noticeable latency from key press to wheel contact when playing, a position that is too close will result in the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing wheel~~\|bowing wheel]] still touching the string and can create undesirable sounds when the bowing motor is winding down.		Having the ''rest'' position correctly set is crucial in getting the most rapid action from the Ekdahl FAR, a ''rest'' position that is too far from the string will cause a noticeable latency from key press to wheel contact when playing, a position that is too close will result in the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing wheels\|bowing wheel]] still touching the string and can create undesirable sounds when the bowing motor is winding down.

	The ''bow pressure position engage'' is the point where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing wheel~~\|bowing wheel]] first makes contact with the string, this position is basically where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing wheel~~\|bowing wheel]] will normally go at a key press when all ''pressure modifications'' (''after touch'', ''pressure'' knob etc.) are set to zero. This position may or may not produce any audible sound as it should barely touch the string at this point.		The ''bow pressure position engage'' is the point where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing wheels\|bowing wheel]] first makes contact with the string, this position is basically where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing wheels\|bowing wheel]] will normally go at a key press when all ''pressure modifications'' (''after touch'', ''pressure'' knob etc.) are set to zero. This position may or may not produce any audible sound as it should barely touch the string at this point.

	''Bow pressure position max'' represents the maximum ''soft limit'', any added pressure at this point will be ignored as further pressure could make the bowing motor be unable to keep its speed or make it go over its power limit (which will cause the motor to immediately shut down in order to protect it).		''Bow pressure position max'' represents the maximum ''soft limit'', any added pressure at this point will be ignored as further pressure could make the bowing motor be unable to keep its speed or make it go over its power limit (which will cause the motor to immediately shut down in order to protect it).

	The pressures ''hard limits'', i.e. how far the [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing~~ jack\|bowing jack]] can physically move up and down, will sometimes have to be [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing jack#Adjusting the bowing jack\|adjusted]].		The pressures ''hard limits'', i.e. how far the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing jack\|bowing jack]] can physically move up and down, will sometimes have to be [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing jack#Adjusting the bowing jack\|adjusted]].

	== Mute limits ==		== Mute limits ==

Knaadmin at 04:27, 24 January 2025

2025-01-24T04:27:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:27, 24 January 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration ==		== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration ==
	Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]]<nowiki/>s, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''.		Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]]<nowiki/>s, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''.

	Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond or below which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot go any faster. A ''soft limit'' is a point <u>before</u> the ''hard limit'' where the machine in question technically could go further, but beyond which it may not be reliable, could potentially run into trouble due to external circumstances, or simply won't provide any benefits. An example of a ''soft limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is the maximum [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#Pressure\|pressure]] of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]]; at some point the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] can be pressed so hard into the string that the motor simply won't have the power to keep up, this could result in the motor not emphasizing the correct overtones, the string distorting - or worst case, the motor overheating and being destroyed. A ''soft limit'' is placed before this point so that you won't run into these problems. All ''soft limits'' can be set by the user, but care has to be taken with limits that are there to protect the Ekdahl FAR. Other limits that are simply there to enhance the usability of the instrument can sometimes be tweaked to allow for "unmusical" behavior, which sometimes creates the most interesting sounds.		Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond or below which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot go any faster. A ''soft limit'' is a point <u>before</u> the ''hard limit'' where the machine in question technically could go further, but beyond which it may not be reliable, could potentially run into trouble due to external circumstances, or simply won't provide any benefits. An example of a ''soft limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is the maximum [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#Pressure\|pressure]] of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]]; at some point the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] can be pressed so hard into the string that the motor simply won't have the power to keep up, this could result in the motor not emphasizing the correct overtones, the string distorting - or worst case, the motor overheating and being destroyed. A ''soft limit'' is placed before this point so that you won't run into these problems. All ''soft limits'' can be set by the user, but care has to be taken with limits that are there to protect the Ekdahl FAR. Other limits that are simply there to enhance the usability of the instrument can sometimes be tweaked to allow for "unmusical" behavior, which sometimes creates the most interesting sounds.
Line 17:		Line 17:
	''Bow pressure position max'' represents the maximum ''soft limit'', any added pressure at this point will be ignored as further pressure could make the bowing motor be unable to keep its speed or make it go over its power limit (which will cause the motor to immediately shut down in order to protect it).		''Bow pressure position max'' represents the maximum ''soft limit'', any added pressure at this point will be ignored as further pressure could make the bowing motor be unable to keep its speed or make it go over its power limit (which will cause the motor to immediately shut down in order to protect it).

	The pressures ''hard limits'', i.e. how far the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] can physically move up and down, can be set by loosening the two screws holding the pressure motor and sliding the carriage back and forth. This adjustment should rarely have to be performed as it should be pre-set, but if you change the height of the bridges, change into a string of a different thickness or a differently sized bowing wheel you may have to~~. The position of the carriage should~~ be ~~set so that when the~~ [[The Ekdahl FAR - ~~Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing~~ jack~~]] is at its lowest mechanical point, the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started~~#~~bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] is roughly 1mm away from the string. The easiest way to set~~ the ~~[[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#~~bowing jack\|~~bowing jack~~]] to its lowest mechanical point is to use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and click the <s>"Reset pressure rest and go to rest position"-button in the "Basic bow parameters"</s>. This will set the ''bow pressure rest position'' to zero and tell the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to go to the ''bow pressure rest position''. If the shield is taken off of the Ekdahl FAR you can instead - while the unit is off - rotate the ''corkscrew'' that controls the position of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its minimum position.		The pressures ''hard limits'', i.e. how far the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] can physically move up and down, will sometimes have to be [[The Ekdahl FAR - Bowing jack#Adjusting the bowing jack\|adjusted]].

	== Mute limits ==		== Mute limits ==

Knaadmin at 15:26, 23 January 2025

2025-01-23T15:26:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:26, 23 January 2025
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	Solenoid ''min force'' is the lowest amount of force necessary for the hammer to hit the string and solenoid ''max force'' is the maximum force usable. The reason to set the minimum force is because without it, if mapped to for instance velocity of a keyboard, there will be a lot of "dead" values on the lower end where the hammer isn't reaching the string or even triggering the solenoid at all. The maximum amount is used because there can be an upper range where the increase of power to the solenoid simply doesn't audibly change the hammer hit, meaning the upper range would all sound the same. Another use of the upper range can be to limit the force due to the fact that certain strings, mostly thinner ones, will distort or just sound bad when hit too hard.		Solenoid ''min force'' is the lowest amount of force necessary for the hammer to hit the string and solenoid ''max force'' is the maximum force usable. The reason to set the minimum force is because without it, if mapped to for instance velocity of a keyboard, there will be a lot of "dead" values on the lower end where the hammer isn't reaching the string or even triggering the solenoid at all. The maximum amount is used because there can be an upper range where the increase of power to the solenoid simply doesn't audibly change the hammer hit, meaning the upper range would all sound the same. Another use of the upper range can be to limit the force due to the fact that certain strings, mostly thinner ones, will distort or just sound bad when hit too hard.


			{{docnav
			\|[[The Ekdahl FAR - Tuning\|Tuning]]
			\|[[The Ekdahl FAR - Calibrations\|Automatic calibrations]]
			}}

Knaadmin: /* Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration */

2025-01-17T02:16:45Z

Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:16, 16 January 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration ==		== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration ==
	Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and bowing ~~wheels~~, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''.		Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]]<nowiki/>s, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''.

	Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot go any faster. A ''soft limit'' is a point <u>before</u> the ''hard limit'' where the machine in question technically could go further, but beyond which it may not be reliable, could potentially run into trouble due to external circumstances, or simply won't provide any benefits. An example of a ''soft limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is the maximum [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#Pressure\|pressure]] of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]]; at some point the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] can be pressed so hard into the string that the motor simply won't have the power to keep up, this could result in the motor not emphasizing the correct overtones, the string distorting - or worst case, the motor overheating and being ~~destroyed�~~. A ''soft limit'' is placed before this point so that you won't run into these problems. All ''soft limits'' can be set by the user, but care has to be taken with limits that are there to protect the Ekdahl FAR. Other limits that are simply there to enhance the usability of the instrument can sometimes be tweaked to allow for "unmusical" behavior, which sometimes creates the most interesting sounds.		Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond or below which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot go any faster. A ''soft limit'' is a point <u>before</u> the ''hard limit'' where the machine in question technically could go further, but beyond which it may not be reliable, could potentially run into trouble due to external circumstances, or simply won't provide any benefits. An example of a ''soft limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is the maximum [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#Pressure\|pressure]] of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]]; at some point the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] can be pressed so hard into the string that the motor simply won't have the power to keep up, this could result in the motor not emphasizing the correct overtones, the string distorting - or worst case, the motor overheating and being destroyed. A ''soft limit'' is placed before this point so that you won't run into these problems. All ''soft limits'' can be set by the user, but care has to be taken with limits that are there to protect the Ekdahl FAR. Other limits that are simply there to enhance the usability of the instrument can sometimes be tweaked to allow for "unmusical" behavior, which sometimes creates the most interesting sounds.

	The Ekdahl FAR offers ways of automatically calibrating some of these ~~features~~, ~~certain other features~~ will have to be manually set. Currently there are ''hard'' and ''soft limits'' for the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure position\|pressure position]], mute position and the hammer force.		The Ekdahl FAR offers ways of automatically calibrating some of these limits, others will have to be manually set. Currently there are ''hard'' and ''soft limits'' for the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure position\|pressure position]], mute position and the hammer force.

	== Pressure limits ==		== Pressure limits ==
	The bow [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure\|pressure]] has three preset positions associated with it; ''bow pressure position rest'', ''bow pressure position engage'' and the ''bow pressure position max''. The ''bow pressure position rest'' is the lower ''soft limit'' and ''bow pressure position max'' is the upper ''soft limit''. All of these presets can be changed by the user and saved into the instrument. The ''bow pressure position rest'' is where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] is completely disconnected from the string, thus starting the bowing motor in this position will not cause any contact-vibrations in the string (though the string could still start to resonate due to air turbulence created by the bowing wheel). The Ekdahl FAR will normally stay at the rest position when no key is pressed.		The bow [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure\|pressure]] has three preset positions associated with it; ''bow pressure position rest'', ''bow pressure position engage'' and the ''bow pressure position max''.

	~~Having the~~ ''rest'' ~~position correctly set~~ is ~~crucial in getting~~ the ~~most rapid action from the Ekdahl FAR, a~~ ''~~rest~~'' position ~~that~~ is ~~too far from~~ the ~~string will cause a noticeable latency from key press to wheel contact when playing, a~~ position ~~that~~ is ~~too close will result in~~ the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] ~~still touching~~ the string ~~when~~ the bowing motor is ~~winding down, creating an audible sound~~.		The ''bow pressure position rest'' is the lower ''soft limit'' and ''bow pressure position max'' is the upper ''soft limit''. All of these presets can be changed by the user and saved into the instrument. The ''bow pressure position rest'' is where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] is completely disconnected from the string, thus starting the bowing motor in this position will not cause any contact-vibrations in the string (though the string could still start to resonate due to air turbulence created by the bowing wheel). The Ekdahl FAR will normally stay at the rest position when no key is pressed.

	~~The~~ ''~~bow pressure position engage~~'' is the ~~point where~~ the ~~[[The~~ Ekdahl FAR ~~- Getting started#bowing~~ wheel~~\|bowing wheel]] first makes~~ contact ~~with the string~~, ~~this~~ position is ~~basically where~~ the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] ~~will normally go at a key press~~ when ~~all ''pressure modifications'' (aftertouch, pressure knob etc.) are set to zero. This position may or may not produce any audible sound as it should barely touch~~ the ~~string at this point~~.		Having the ''rest'' position correctly set is crucial in getting the most rapid action from the Ekdahl FAR, a ''rest'' position that is too far from the string will cause a noticeable latency from key press to wheel contact when playing, a position that is too close will result in the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] still touching the string and can create undesirable sounds when the bowing motor is winding down.

	''~~Bow~~ pressure position ~~max~~'' ~~represents~~ the ~~maximum~~ ''~~soft limit~~'', ~~any added~~ pressure ~~at this point will be ignored as further pressure could make the bowing motor be unable~~ to ~~keep its speed~~ or ~~make~~ it ~~go over its power limit (which will cause~~ the ~~motor to immediately shut down)~~.		The ''bow pressure position engage'' is the point where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] first makes contact with the string, this position is basically where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] will normally go at a key press when all ''pressure modifications'' (''after touch'', ''pressure'' knob etc.) are set to zero. This position may or may not produce any audible sound as it should barely touch the string at this point.

	The pressures ''hard limits'' can be set by loosening the two screws holding the pressure motor and sliding the carriage back and forth. This adjustment should rarely have to be performed as it should be pre-set, but if you change the height of the bridges, change into a string of a different thickness or a differently sized bowing wheel you may have to. The position of the carriage should be set so that when the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] is at its lowest mechanical point, the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] is roughly 1mm away from the string. The easiest way to set the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its lowest mechanical point is to use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and click the "Reset pressure rest and go to rest position"-button in the "Basic bow parameters". This will set the ''bow pressure rest position'' to zero and tell the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to go to the ''bow pressure rest position''. If the shield is taken off of the Ekdahl FAR you can instead, while the unit is off, rotate the ''corkscrew'' that controls the position of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its minimum position.		''Bow pressure position max'' represents the maximum ''soft limit'', any added pressure at this point will be ignored as further pressure could make the bowing motor be unable to keep its speed or make it go over its power limit (which will cause the motor to immediately shut down in order to protect it).

			The pressures ''hard limits'', i.e. how far the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] can physically move up and down, can be set by loosening the two screws holding the pressure motor and sliding the carriage back and forth. This adjustment should rarely have to be performed as it should be pre-set, but if you change the height of the bridges, change into a string of a different thickness or a differently sized bowing wheel you may have to. The position of the carriage should be set so that when the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] is at its lowest mechanical point, the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] is roughly 1mm away from the string. The easiest way to set the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its lowest mechanical point is to use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and click the <s>"Reset pressure rest and go to rest position"-button in the "Basic bow parameters"</s>. This will set the ''bow pressure rest position'' to zero and tell the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to go to the ''bow pressure rest position''. If the shield is taken off of the Ekdahl FAR you can instead - while the unit is off - rotate the ''corkscrew'' that controls the position of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its minimum position.

	== Mute limits ==		== Mute limits ==
	The mute also has three preset positions associated with it; ''mute rest position'' (lower ''soft limit''), ''mute full mute position'' (upper ''soft limit'') and ''mute half mute position''. ~~By reading the previous paragraph the~~ ''mute rest position'' and ''mute full mute position'' ~~should hopefully be quite obvious~~, the ''mute half mute position'' is an auxilary position that can be set to do things like suppressing the fundamental, create pinch harmonics, or anything else your heart desires.		The mute also has three preset positions associated with it; ''mute rest position'' (lower ''soft limit''), ''mute full mute position'' (upper ''soft limit'') and ''mute half mute position''. The ''mute rest position'' is where the mute is not touching the string <u>even when it is resonating at peak volume</u> and the ''mute full mute position'' is when the string is firmly clamped in between the upper and lower mute, quickly dampening the sound. The latter parameter is important because if set too high, i.e. if the instrument is trying to force the mute to go beyond the point where it is physically able to exert the required force, the instrument will will "loose track" of where the mute is actually situated which could result in strange unwanted behaviors. The ''mute half mute position'' is an auxilary position that can be set to do things like suppressing the fundamental, create pinch harmonics, or anything else your heart desires.

	Just like with the pressure, the mute has two screws for adjusting the mute motor, however the mute also has an upper mute that should first be set to rest roughly 1mm above the string. Reset the mute position mechanically or use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and press the "Reset rest position and go to rest position"-button in "Mute parameters". Slide the mute motor carriage to where the lower mute rests about 1mm below the string.		Just like with the pressure, the mute has two screws for adjusting the mute motor, however the mute also has an upper mute that should first be set to rest roughly 1mm above the string. Reset the mute position mechanically or use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and press the <u>"Reset rest position and go to rest position"-button in "Mute parameters"</u>. Slide the mute motor carriage to where the lower mute rests about 1mm below the string.

	== Hammer force limits ==		== Hammer force limits ==
	The hammer force limits are a little different than the previous limits discussed, furthermore the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#command\|command]]<nowiki/>s associated with the hammer are prefixed by the word 'solenoid' as this is the electrical device that actually causes the hammer action. The solenoid ''min force'' and solenoid ''max force'' parameters here are simply a convenience that makes it easier to control the instrument. A solenoid force of zero always means "no hammer action".		The hammer force limits are a little different than the previous limits discussed, furthermore the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#command\|command]]<nowiki/>s associated with the hammer are prefixed by the word 'solenoid' as this is the electrical device that actually causes the hammer action. The solenoid ''min force'' and solenoid ''max force'' parameters here are simply a convenience that makes it easier to control the instrument. A solenoid force of zero always means "no hammer action".

	Solenoid ''min force'' is the lowest amount of force necessary for the hammer to hit the string and solenoid ''max force'' is the maximum force usable. The reason to set the minimum force is because without it, if mapped to for instance velocity of a keyboard, there will be a lot of "dead" values on the lower end where the hammer isn't reaching the string or even triggering the solenoid at all. The maximum amount is used because there can be an upper range where the increase of power to the solenoid simply doesn't audibly change the hammer hit, meaning the upper range would all sound the same. Another use of the upper range can be to limit the force due to the fact that certain strings, mostly thinner ones, will distort or just sound bad when hit too hard.		Solenoid ''min force'' is the lowest amount of force necessary for the hammer to hit the string and solenoid ''max force'' is the maximum force usable. The reason to set the minimum force is because without it, if mapped to for instance velocity of a keyboard, there will be a lot of "dead" values on the lower end where the hammer isn't reaching the string or even triggering the solenoid at all. The maximum amount is used because there can be an upper range where the increase of power to the solenoid simply doesn't audibly change the hammer hit, meaning the upper range would all sound the same. Another use of the upper range can be to limit the force due to the fact that certain strings, mostly thinner ones, will distort or just sound bad when hit too hard.

Knaadmin at 19:42, 16 January 2025

2025-01-16T19:42:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 16 January 2025
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	The pressures ''hard limits'' can be set by loosening the two screws holding the pressure motor and sliding the carriage back and forth. This adjustment should rarely have to be performed as it should be pre-set, but if you change the height of the bridges, change into a string of a different thickness or a differently sized bowing wheel you may have to. The position of the carriage should be set so that when the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] is at its lowest mechanical point, the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] is roughly 1mm away from the string. The easiest way to set the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its lowest mechanical point is to use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and click the "Reset pressure rest and go to rest position"-button in the "Basic bow parameters". This will set the ''bow pressure rest position'' to zero and tell the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to go to the ''bow pressure rest position''. If the shield is taken off of the Ekdahl FAR you can instead, while the unit is off, rotate the ''corkscrew'' that controls the position of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its minimum position.		The pressures ''hard limits'' can be set by loosening the two screws holding the pressure motor and sliding the carriage back and forth. This adjustment should rarely have to be performed as it should be pre-set, but if you change the height of the bridges, change into a string of a different thickness or a differently sized bowing wheel you may have to. The position of the carriage should be set so that when the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] is at its lowest mechanical point, the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel\|bowing wheel]] is roughly 1mm away from the string. The easiest way to set the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its lowest mechanical point is to use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and click the "Reset pressure rest and go to rest position"-button in the "Basic bow parameters". This will set the ''bow pressure rest position'' to zero and tell the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to go to the ''bow pressure rest position''. If the shield is taken off of the Ekdahl FAR you can instead, while the unit is off, rotate the ''corkscrew'' that controls the position of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack\|bowing jack]] to its minimum position.

			== Mute limits ==
			The mute also has three preset positions associated with it; ''mute rest position'' (lower ''soft limit''), ''mute full mute position'' (upper ''soft limit'') and ''mute half mute position''. By reading the previous paragraph the ''mute rest position'' and ''mute full mute position'' should hopefully be quite obvious, the ''mute half mute position'' is an auxilary position that can be set to do things like suppressing the fundamental, create pinch harmonics, or anything else your heart desires.

			Just like with the pressure, the mute has two screws for adjusting the mute motor, however the mute also has an upper mute that should first be set to rest roughly 1mm above the string. Reset the mute position mechanically or use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility\|configuration utility]] and press the "Reset rest position and go to rest position"-button in "Mute parameters". Slide the mute motor carriage to where the lower mute rests about 1mm below the string.

			== Hammer force limits ==
			The hammer force limits are a little different than the previous limits discussed, furthermore the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#command\|command]]<nowiki/>s associated with the hammer are prefixed by the word 'solenoid' as this is the electrical device that actually causes the hammer action. The solenoid ''min force'' and solenoid ''max force'' parameters here are simply a convenience that makes it easier to control the instrument. A solenoid force of zero always means "no hammer action".

			Solenoid ''min force'' is the lowest amount of force necessary for the hammer to hit the string and solenoid ''max force'' is the maximum force usable. The reason to set the minimum force is because without it, if mapped to for instance velocity of a keyboard, there will be a lot of "dead" values on the lower end where the hammer isn't reaching the string or even triggering the solenoid at all. The maximum amount is used because there can be an upper range where the increase of power to the solenoid simply doesn't audibly change the hammer hit, meaning the upper range would all sound the same. Another use of the upper range can be to limit the force due to the fact that certain strings, mostly thinner ones, will distort or just sound bad when hit too hard.

Knaadmin: Created page with "== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration == Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and bowing wheels, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''. Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot..."

2025-01-16T19:24:31Z

Created page with "== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration == Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and bowing wheels, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''. Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot..."

New page

== Hard and soft limits, the range of possibilities and need for calibration ==
Before getting into the weeds of how to change strings and bowing wheels, you should know about the concept of ''hard'' and ''soft limits''.

Within automated machining, a ''hard limit'' is simply a point beyond which a machine will not function - an example of a ''hard limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is for instance the maximum speed of the bowing wheel; at a certain point the motor simply cannot go any faster. A ''soft limit'' is a point <u>before</u> the ''hard limit'' where the machine in question technically could go further, but beyond which it may not be reliable, could potentially run into trouble due to external circumstances, or simply won't provide any benefits. An example of a ''soft limit'' in the Ekdahl FAR is the maximum [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#Pressure|pressure]] of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack|bowing jack]]; at some point the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel|bowing wheel]] can be pressed so hard into the string that the motor simply won't have the power to keep up, this could result in the motor not emphasizing the correct overtones, the string distorting - or worst case, the motor overheating and being destroyed�. A ''soft limit'' is placed before this point so that you won't run into these problems. All ''soft limits'' can be set by the user, but care has to be taken with limits that are there to protect the Ekdahl FAR. Other limits that are simply there to enhance the usability of the instrument can sometimes be tweaked to allow for "unmusical" behavior, which sometimes creates the most interesting sounds.

The Ekdahl FAR offers ways of automatically calibrating some of these features, certain other features will have to be manually set. Currently there are ''hard'' and ''soft limits'' for the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure position|pressure position]], mute position and the hammer force.

== Pressure limits ==
The bow [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#pressure|pressure]] has three preset positions associated with it; ''bow pressure position rest'', ''bow pressure position engage'' and the ''bow pressure position max''. The ''bow pressure position rest'' is the lower ''soft limit'' and ''bow pressure position max'' is the upper ''soft limit''. All of these presets can be changed by the user and saved into the instrument. The ''bow pressure position rest'' is where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel|bowing wheel]] is completely disconnected from the string, thus starting the bowing motor in this position will not cause any contact-vibrations in the string (though the string could still start to resonate due to air turbulence created by the bowing wheel). The Ekdahl FAR will normally stay at the rest position when no key is pressed.

Having the ''rest'' position correctly set is crucial in getting the most rapid action from the Ekdahl FAR, a ''rest'' position that is too far from the string will cause a noticeable latency from key press to wheel contact when playing, a position that is too close will result in the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel|bowing wheel]] still touching the string when the bowing motor is winding down, creating an audible sound.

The ''bow pressure position engage'' is the point where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel|bowing wheel]] first makes contact with the string, this position is basically where the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel|bowing wheel]] will normally go at a key press when all ''pressure modifications'' (aftertouch, pressure knob etc.) are set to zero. This position may or may not produce any audible sound as it should barely touch the string at this point.

''Bow pressure position max'' represents the maximum ''soft limit'', any added pressure at this point will be ignored as further pressure could make the bowing motor be unable to keep its speed or make it go over its power limit (which will cause the motor to immediately shut down).

The pressures ''hard limits'' can be set by loosening the two screws holding the pressure motor and sliding the carriage back and forth. This adjustment should rarely have to be performed as it should be pre-set, but if you change the height of the bridges, change into a string of a different thickness or a differently sized bowing wheel you may have to. The position of the carriage should be set so that when the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack|bowing jack]] is at its lowest mechanical point, the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing wheel|bowing wheel]] is roughly 1mm away from the string. The easiest way to set the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack|bowing jack]] to its lowest mechanical point is to use the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Configuration Utility|configuration utility]] and click the "Reset pressure rest and go to rest position"-button in the "Basic bow parameters". This will set the ''bow pressure rest position'' to zero and tell the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack|bowing jack]] to go to the ''bow pressure rest position''. If the shield is taken off of the Ekdahl FAR you can instead, while the unit is off, rotate the ''corkscrew'' that controls the position of the [[The Ekdahl FAR - Getting started#bowing jack|bowing jack]] to its minimum position.